Dang, James!

Last night I wrapped up a beautiful weekend—perfect weather, time with family and friends, and finally, some quiet moments in God’s Word. Specifically, I re-read the book of James.

A mentor once told me, “There is no good reading, only good re-reading.” I’ve found that James fits perfectly into that category. It’s a short book—just five chapters—but every line packs a serious punch. By the time I finished, I felt like I’d just gone twelve rounds. Every verse seemed to hit me right where I needed it.

I want to share a few of those hits—and hopefully encourage you to read this short book again for yourself this week.

Chapter 1’s Jab

James starts with a call for wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…” (James 1:5)

That verse feels like a warm invitation. But then, in verse 6, comes the challenge:

“…when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…”

Ouch. James reminds us that our faith wavers easily. He later adds in verse 22:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

There it is. Read the truth. Know the truth. Do what it says.

For much of my life, I missed one or more of those steps. These days, my struggle is step three—application. Reading and agreeing with God’s Word is easy. Living it daily is not. My doubts and fears often cloud my prayers. That’s why when I ask God for wisdom, I also need to be ready to walk in it.

God is faithful. He gives truth and direction. When He does, our part is simple—but not easy: listen and do what He says.

Chapter 3’s Jab

Not skipping Chapter 2 out of disrespect (there’s plenty there), but for today, I want to jump to Chapter 3: Taming the Tongue.

“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5–6)

Dang, James. You nailed it.

When I look back on where I’ve gone wrong in life, most of it traces back to my words, not my actions. Younger people often make physical mistakes. Adults? It’s usually our mouths that get us in trouble far before anything we do with our bodies.

This hit me hard. What comes out of my mouth needs to honor God and spread the love of Jesus. That means listening more, talking less—something I’m still working on.

God, thank You for the reminder.

Chapter 4’s Left Hook

James doesn’t just stop at wisdom and speech. He follows up with a strong word on submission and motive.

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)

Convicting, right? How often are our prayers centered around our own comfort—security, success, safety, stability? We want to set up earthly protection, but that’s not the life Christ calls us to.

We’re called to boldness, not comfort. To live with urgency, knowing our time here is short. To seek Him, love Him, and make His love known to those who don’t yet know it.

That’s the treasure that matters. And in Chapter 5, James finishes the fight.

Chapter 5’s Knockout

“Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you… You have hoarded wealth in the last days.” (James 5:3)

That’s a gut punch. James warns against hoarding wealth and chasing luxury. How often do our prayers revolve around protecting our lifestyle, preserving our savings, or maintaining our comfort?

We pray about our businesses, our financial worries, our “nest eggs”—but how often do we pray for boldness, generosity, and faith?

James closes his book beautifully—with prayer.

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.” (James 5:13)
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Prayer connects us directly to God. It’s our lifeline. When we’re in trouble, when we’re sick, when we sin, when we celebrate—pray.

On my own, I’m not powerful or very effective. But Jesus is. It’s far better to walk into every situation with Him than to rely on my own strength.

So this week, I encourage you—read James. Slowly. Then read it again. Let it hit you. Let it shape you.

Read God’s Word. Seek its wisdom. And do what it says.

-Mark